The La Recoleta monastery on the Cerro Churuquella in Sucre dates back to the early 17th century. It delights Bolivia holidaymakers above all with its unbeatable view over the entire city.
The picturesque monastery of San Felipe de Neri offers the best view of Sucre's old town. But if you want to see the whole of Su cre, you have to go to the monastery of La Recoleta, which is a little further out. From the hill of the Franciscan monastery, also called Santa Ana, there is a breathtaking panorama of the entire city. And it is only about seven blocks away from the central Plaza 25 de Mayo.
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Origin of the Monastery of La Recoleta Santa Ana
The monastery was founded by the Franciscan Order in 1601. It is still located on Cerro Churuquella, which was bought by Bishop Alonso Ramirez de Vergara from the local population at the time. The Franciscan community on the beautiful viewpoint over Sucre grew and 50 years after the foundation stone was laid, a second floor was added.
With Bolivia's independence, all the country's monasteries were nationalised. Thus, the Santa Ana monastery was not restored to its original function until 1837. At that time, 10 Franciscan monks helped the monastery and its church to regain their former splendour.
Visit to the La Recoleta Monastery of Sucre
The carefully restored church is about 15 minutes' walk from the centre. It houses an ornately carved choir stall and a cross from 1585. Besides the monastery and the church, there are also some small restaurants and a nice market with local goods on the hill.
Most beautiful view over Sucre
Already on arrival at the monastery forecourt, the monastery church offers a wonderful photo motif. However, this is by no means the best one. Behind the church is a spacious square, bordered by stone arcades, behind which the view falls far across the countryside. A fountain in the centre and flowering rose bushes and geraniums complete the peaceful idyll that reigns in the monastery on Churuquella Hill.
Tip: At sunrise or sunset, the view from La Recoleta Monastery is even more spectacular than usual.
